Icefields Pkwy going North in one day?

Old Aug 23rd, 2016, 10:19 AM
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Icefields Pkwy going North in one day?

Two youngish senior couples driving from Lake Louise to Jasper on September 12 and planning to stay 2 nights in Jasper before doubling back on the Icefields Parkway and on to (Banff) Canmore. Can you help us plan our stops along the way going North and returning South. (We can also spend some Jasper time on the Parkway if needed.) Obviously want to see the usual top spots, but no need to add hiking. In your recommendations, please tell us if we need to make advanced reservations.

Thanks so much in advance.
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Old Sep 1st, 2016, 07:17 AM
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We just returned from a trip on the Icefields and I think it is best seen by spending a day on it each way. The one thing that really improved the trip for us was the App by Gypsy called the Icefields Parkway. It costs $5 and gives historical and geological information as well as indication about where to stop and why. A friend we met along the way recommended it to us. I think this app will expertly plan your stops. There are two places to eat along the way and both are expensive- not fancy- with, in my mind, limited fare. You might want to think picnic lunch if you think the weather will permit it. We took the three hour glacier walk and absolutely loved it. It was the highlight of our entire trip. We are a 69 year old couple and we were the oldest in our group. It involves some uphill walking in crampons and standing for three hours. It was cold but,we were perfectly comfortable.
I can't speak to making reservations as we traveled mid August when we certainly needed to have them. But, for a trip like this I would hate to be disappointed and not find someplace to stay!
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Old Sep 1st, 2016, 12:37 PM
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Thanks so much, livelight. I'll get the app. We look forward to our trip and will consider the glacier walk.
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Old Sep 5th, 2016, 06:28 PM
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Hi

I have no idea about the app. However I will strongly recommend a few things.

Drive carefully. In 70 KM zones, I have experienced a lot of police activity. A cousin of mine recently got a ticket of $270 for driving 90 KM and hour.

If you are going to Jasper (let's say leaving Banff area on 12th morning), I would strongly recommend visit Columbia Icefields in the morning. Icefields in only 130 KMS from Lake Louise. When you leave from Lake Louise, first you will reach Herbert Lake and then Bow Lake. We stopped at Bow Lake.

After Bow Lake we stopped at Peyto Lake. This is a must stop. See some photos here from our trip.

http://www.travelfolio.net/jasper-is...nature-lovers/


There are couple of lakes between Peyto Lake and Saskatchewan Lake Crossing. You can get food here, however it is expensive.

After stopping here we only stopped at Columbia Icefields. Where you can have lunch, visit discovery center and have a short/long break before you visit the Glacier. Just before the entrance speed goes down to 50 KM an hour. Be careful as you can expect cops here.

I would strongly recommend that you walk to the Glacier and not take the bus. Although both are excellent experiences that you will remember your entire life. But check out some of our photos and decide. I found the walk to be a better option. I thought it was a tough walk but it was not a tough walk. You will actually enjoy it.

While you are going to Jasper the 3 places we always stop at are Sunwapta Falls, Athabasca Falls and Mt. Edith Cavell. Depending upon time of the day you can stop at the Falls, but not at the Mt. Edith Cavell. I would recommend that you go to these 3 places while it is sunny to really enjoy them. Even if is on your way back to Lake Louise.


When you reach Jasper make sure to visit the visitor information center. You can get all the required information from there.

Pyramid lake is a must visit place in Jasper.


One of the things I would strongly recommend you to visit the planetarium in Jasper. This is night time event so you don't have to worry about the time. Unfortunately we could not visit them and left them for our next trip.


I hope I gave you enough information, if not then leave a message here and I can reply you back again.


Happy travels from TravelFolio.
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Old Sep 6th, 2016, 10:20 AM
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Leaving tomorrow... Thanks for the input.
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Old Jan 17th, 2017, 05:36 PM
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